Randall Dean Smith

Randall Dean Smith, born March 18, 1948, called to heaven July 11, 2025, 77 years old.

Randy was born to Roy Dean and Velda Smith in McPherson, KS. He grew up, the oldest of 6 children and lived in many states. Randy joined the Army in 1969 and was stationed out of Fort Ord, CA. After serving his country in Vietnam for 1 year, 6 months, in the communications workforce, he returned to his home in Questa, NM. While working at a local ski resort, he met Louisa Martinez and they married in June of 1971. Randy then moved to Globe, AZ, where he worked as a Police Officer, then hired on at a local mining facility. During this time, Randy welcomed his 2 daughters, Sherri and Pamela. At the end of 1973, Randy and his family returned to Questa, NM. The following year, Randy welcomed his son, Thomas. Randy then got a job driving for Trailways Bus Lines. It was this career path that led him to relocate his family to Grand Junction, CO. Over the next several years, Randy continued working various transportation jobs. He also worked as a Radio DJ, Car Salesman, Transportation Manager & Dispatcher, Owner and Operator of Aero Rail Hobbies store, and a Magician.

After the end of his marriage to Louisa, Randy met Carol Etcheverry and lived in Las Vegas, NV for 4 years. They moved back to Grand Junction, CO. His marriage to Carol extended his family to include her son Richard, daughter Christina (Rob) and 3 grandchildren. After Carol passed away in 2012, Randy lived alone until meeting Estrellita Olea in 2013. After a lovely courtship, Randy and Leetha were married in Colorado Springs, CO on May 15, 2015, celebrating with a fabulous 1920’s style wedding. Their union also extended his family to include daughters Catherine, Carolyn, Cynthia, son Avelino Jr, their spouses and children. He moved to Fair Oaks, CA with his wife, Leetha, where he enjoyed helping with the care homes, building their “tiny home”, his man-cave and family/church gatherings.

Over the years, Randy had many hobbies. His most recent favorite hobby was traveling with his wife Leetha and exploring new places.

Randy is survived by his wife, Leetha, daughters Sherri (Scott) Beaudoin, Pamela (Chuck) Youmans, Catherine (Justin) Moore, Carolyn (John) Javier, Cynthia (Jeffrey) Geddes, sons Thomas (Kristen) Smith, Avelino (Eleanor) Olea Jr, 23 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, sisters Jere (Jeff) Broadhead, Karen Martinez, Kimber Sanchez, Linell (Greg) Wood, Aunt Cheryl (Richard) Brazell, Aunt Clara Marie Largent, Uncle Gene (Cheryl) Largent, many nieces and nephews, and life-long friends.

Randy is preceded in death by his sister, DeeAnn Smith, mother Velda Smith, father Roy Dean Smith, Uncle John Smith, Uncle Norman Largent and other extended family.